Research

Book presentation: “Constitutional Law in Latvia”

20 October 2016

On 18 October 2016 Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL) hosted a presentation of the book “IEL Constitutional Law in Latvia”, authored by Latvian Constitutional Court Adviser Dita Plepa and the late RGSL prorector Kristīne Krūma (1974 - 2016). Incoming RGSL Rector Professor Mel Kenny stressed the importance of the book in the development of legal science, noting: “Studies at RGSL are in English, so that lecturers can use “Constitutional Law in Latvia” in the teaching process. Although unfortunately Kristīne Krūma is no longer with us, her devotion to constitutional law in Latvia was enormous. The book might provide a good basis for international law experts to research constitutional law in Latvia, because so far it has not been easy to access information in English.” In her supporting address, Kristīne Krūma’s co-author, Latvian Constitutional Court Adviser Dita Plepa, spoke of the process of writing the book. She expressed gratitude to the Latvian Constitutional Court, which has been a good basis and source of inspiration, as well to legal journal “Jurista Vārds”, which publishes many articles on constitutional law. In addition she thanked two law experts – University of Latvia Docent Jānis Pleps and lawyer Edgars Pastars – who have researched this area of law. Honouring the memory of Kristīne Krūma, European External Action Service analyst Ivars Indāns also delivered a speech. He recalled that Kristīne had contributed her work to strengthen Western values and international law principles in Latvia, concluding: “Kristīne always stressed the importance of encouraging democratic values in Latvia, which means that international publicity was important to her and this book is an outstanding example of that”. University of Latvia Docent Jānis Pleps presented a reading of “Latvian Constitutional law – brilliance and misery”, touching on the history of the Latvian Constitution, which is the ninth oldest in Europe. Next year the Latvian Constitution will celebrate its 95th anniversary, so that this book is like an anniversary present. He added: “Publication of “Constitutional Law in Latvia” might be some encouragement to develop constitutional law in Latvia, as a certain stagnation has been observed in this area.” The event closed by marking the establishment of a scholarship honouring the memory of Kristīne Krūma. The scholarship will be for master’s degree students who are interested in European Union and International law. More information will follow.